Originally Posted by
Maddox
But you're operating under the assumption that all old road bikes are like yours: "flexy as hell" with "tons of chipped paint and surface rust." But not all are, and the blanket comparison of older road frames to a "30 year old cheepo cars" is laughable.
Not all old frames are crap, not all new frames are the hottness. It really depends on the material and the maker, but I'm willing to bet that an "old" lugged, steel road bike will usually be sturdier and last longer than most of the sorry-welded 4130 frames going right now.
Rant all you want. In 20 years old frames from the 70's and 80's will be in much higher demand than anything you'll buy off of BikesDirect today.
It seems like we are both making assumptions. Let us start with my assumptions first: $100 frames from the 70s that you can get off craigslist are largely the same as the frame I am describing. Japanese lugged straight gauge chromoly from the 70s-80s. They are probably made by hand and will last another 20+ years with little to no care. Great, they will last a long time.
Now your assumptions: The owner will still find enjoyment with this frame outfitted with another $100-200 worth of components in another 20 years on the "old" bike. The $300 "new" bike will have cracks at the welding points and will under perform when put up against a bike 30-40 years its senior.
Now, we are unable to see into the future but I do not think that in year 2030 we will see too many bikes from the 1970s and 1980s. I understand that the 70s and 80s saw a boom in high quality Japanese bike exports but I doubt that these durable bikes, if used routinely, will still be sought after to build a SS/FG when compared to a purpose built bike that is lighter and much more efficient.